Canon 18-200mm zoom lense

[jazzman1]

I'm new here.  I have a Canon T3i.  Two kit lenses came with it in a bundle...18-55mm, 55-250mm.  I am considering getting the Canon 18-200mm.  Would the Canon 18-200mm be a good choice to replace both lenses, or are there better choices to replace them with and keep the 18-200mm also?

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

I would not buy one for a few reasons.  One and formost, it is more difficult to make a zoom lens when the zoom range gets very extreme.  18 to 200 is a 11x range and very ambitious to say the least. Not solely in optics but in build quality, too. It will be in the same quality level as the two lenses you have so the only advantage is having just the one lens.  Is that what you require? The top benefit of a DSLR is the ability to have the right lens for the right job.  That usually involves several different lenses.  So you will be defeating that concept somewhat!

I would rather see you get a different level of lens for instance the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens.  Directly replacing your 18-55mm kit lens. Of course this is in case what you have is not working for you. But this move is into a better built, better optics and a little faster lens all of which can be very useful.  Make no mistake the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens is a very good lens and offers a constant aperture.  A super plus in my book.

Unfortunalely these lens upgrades are expensive and replacing the 55-250mm is going to be more so.

[ebiggs1]

I didn't go back through what I would do if I woke up this morning in your shoes because I already did.  You need to do what you need to do.

[jazzman1]

[Removed per the FORUM GUIDELINES - Please do not ask others to violate the Forum Guidelines.]

Yes, I realise my 24-105L is in a different class.  I do plan on buying L lenses in the future that's equal to it.  I thought about  the EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM.   I may be wrong on that, what do you think of that lens???.   I'm sure after I get the 24-105mm lens and experience using it, as you say, I will see the chinks in my other lens, and won't want any more lens of lesser quality.   I agree with you on that.  It's a very useful lens, from what I've read, many use it for a walkabout.  What combination of lens do you think I should get for the kind of Photography I like to do?  What range in mm.   I'd like to make a list and work towards getting them.   I'm talking minumum number of lenses I will need.   I like landscape, wildlife, street,  old historic buildings and sites.  Later I may get into closeups...weddings, parties, etc.   Not interested in sports right now.

Far as PhotoShop Elements, I already had a rude awakening, when you told me what you did.  I am going to get it and get into editing, not a problem.  If you say it's how it is....so be it.  I am already into editing my video's, I trully see the need with video.  Actually, most of the work with video is in the editing.   Editing is what makes or breaks a video.  Did'nt know it was the same in still pics.

Biggs, you do know your stuff.  I like your tell it like it is style.  I try to live life on life's terms, will try to do the same with photography.   You will find me to be a willing student.

[ebiggs1]

It can be useful to have the same focal length in two or more lenses but this is usually a person that is really dedicated to photography or in the business.  Most amatuers won't see the value of that.  You have one of the best all around lenses in the EF 24-105mm f4 L.  But even I would not use it on a crop body and put the EF 28-135mm on another crop body.  That just doesn't make much sense.  Does it?  You answer.

My "walk around" set up is my 24-70mm f2.8 L on the FF (1Ds Mk III) and my 70-200mm f2.8 L on the crop (1D Mk IV).  As a matter of fact that and a 8-15mm L is all the equipment I took to Chicago for that job.  Beyond that I am not going to advise on what you should keep or sell.  It is your choice and that was/is mine.  Decide what works for you.

On the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens are you talking the white one or the black one?  If it is the black one, forget it. If it is the white one make sure you know what you are getting.  It is big.  It is heavy.  It is going to look and feel huge on a cropper.  It is an outstanding zoom lens!

If you intend on keeping at least one crop body around, the EF-S 10-22mm, your current EF 24-105mm and a 70-200mm would be pretty sweet.  Remember the EF-S will only fit a cropper. not a FF.

Later maybe add the EF 300mm f4 L and/or the EF 400mm f5.6 L.  Both primes but I prefer the 300mm because it has IS and the 400mm doesn't.  The EF 300mm f4 takes the 1.4x tele extender very well and would give you a 420mm f5.6 lens with IS.

Lots of possiblities..............  

[jazzman1]

"You have one of the best all around lenses in the EF 24-105mm f4 L.  But even I would not use it on a crop body and put the" EF 28-135mm on another crop body.  That just doesn't make much sense.  Does it?  

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Biggs you lost me here...have no idea what  you mean.  You say here you would'nt use the EF 24-105mm f4L on a crop body......then you say you  would'nt use the EF 28-135mm on a crop body either.   Then further down you say if I intend to keep at least 1 crop body use the EF 24-105 with a couple other lens combo's.   Please clarify.

1/2 my message was edited and removed by canon rep, have no idea what I said that was a violation of the guidelines.  I did mention name of a 3rd party Co. offering me a price for the 18-200mm lens I thought ridiculous for a new lens under warranty.  Other than that I have no  idea what I said wrong.  Hope you saw it before it was removed.

Far as the EF 70-300mm lens, I was talking about the black one.  But you say it's not a good choice for me now, Ok

I probably at some point will get rid of my rebel and keep the 60D.  That's if I decided to get rid of one.  I certainly would'nt get rid of the 60D for only the Rebel.  I had already planned to upgrade my Rebel, only now.....soone than later.   I see you only suggest having 3 different lens.   Is that all I would need for the kind of photograpky I like to do???    If so, that's not a complicated setup.  I did'nt think I could get all the different shots I'd want with just 3 lenses.  Sounds good to me.

The Canon EF 28-135mm. came today and I was in love the minute I saw it.  The quality seems better than any lens I have.  Seems well built and solid.  I took some shots with it at the park today and the pics are sharp, seems to be sharper than the EF-S 18-200mm, or the EF-S 18-55mm that I normally use at the park.  I won't be for sure though, till I do an A-B same scene, same focal distance test, using both.  I've read some say it's heavy...not to me.  And it's shorter than my 18-200mm.   Seems to weigh about the same.   I also  got a lens hood with it.  I like this lens, thanks for suggesting it to me.  Even though I know the EF 24-105 is better, and I know I will like it too, I would'nt want to give this lens up.  Heck, I'd keep it for a backup if nothing else, if GOD forbid, something happens to my 24-105mm. 

I know I love photography, and I'm pretty sure now I will go to FF body one day.   I'll keep my 50mm f1.4 and EF-S 55-250mm till I can relace them.  I'll get rid of all the rest.  One thing bothers me I just read something about the Canon 60D, it's said to have a shorter than normal shutter span.  I think the number was 100,000 (or maybe it was 1,000,000) shutter clicks.  That's less than most Canon Cameras thay say.  They say that number comes from Canon.  Is it anything I should worry about???   I'm just  finding out about shutter life span, did'nt know the shutter on camera's wore out.

I'll look at the other lens you suggest and see the price.

[jazzman1]

I did a A-B-C comparison test today.  It's not scientific by any means.  I set my Rebel on a tripod and set the focal distance of all 3 camera's to 28mm.  I took 3 shot of my kitchen about 15-20ft away, 1 each with each lens.  The results was surprising.  The 18-55 seems to have the sharpest pics overall.  The 28-135 and 18-200mm were about the same.  The 18-55 was even sharper on the sides. Seems the 18-55 won out overall.  The lighting was fine, did'nt use the flash just my normal overhead lights.  The test might come out different in full sunlight outside.  I liked the tint of the 28-135 better, it was warmer than the other 2 lens.  Maybe my test was faulty, but seems like the 18-55mm was the best.  maybe I did'nt do something right.  I thought the 28-135 would win hands down.  Was this a fair test Biggs???

[ebiggs1]

"Was this a fair test Biggs???"

In a word, no, it was not.  All lens "testing" shoube be done from a tripod at a test target.  You can d/l one for free.  All photos need to be compared at 100% crop.

[ebiggs1]

"Biggs you lost me here...have no idea what  you mean.  You say here you would'nt use the EF 24-105mm f4L on a crop body......then you say you  would'nt use the EF 28-135mm on a crop body either.   Then further down you say if I intend to keep at least 1 crop body use the EF 24-105 with a couple other lens combo's.   Please clarify."

OK, here goes.  What I said is, I would not put the 24-105mm on a crop body and also put the 28-135mm on another crop body at the same time.  I did bot say I would not use either lens on a crop body. Just not at the same time. Why?  The lenses are too similar.  The whole idea of having two bodies and two lenses is one or the other is different.

I use my 24-70mm f2.8 on a FF for the extra wide AOV it gives me.  So, I put the 70-200mm f2.8 on the crop body for the extra tele AOV advantage it gives me.  Two totally different uses and the best of both cameras is made to best use.  Right?

Forum guidelines do not allow links to third parties.  No I did not see it.

"Far as the EF 70-300mm lens, I was talking about the black one.  But you say it's not a good choice for me now, Ok"

I would not buy one but you should if you think it fits.  Are you remembering the substantially equal level of quality, we agreed upon already?

"I'm just  finding out about shutter life span, did'nt know the shutter on camera's wore out."

It would not be on the top of my list for things to worry about!  Yes shutters do "wear out".  They are mechinical things made by the hand of man.  Anything made by the hand of man will eventually fail.  They are in the $300 to $350 dollar range to replace.  Whatever the 60D's shutter life is, itis not 1,000,000 (one million).  Most likely 100,000.  That is a lot.  It is a very lot for amateurs.  My 1 series camera are in the 300,000 range.  Your Rebel is probably in the 50,000 to 100,000 range.

I can not stress enough, at this point, STOP BUYING stuff untill you get a plan.  You need to set a goal to work toward.  Just because something is on sale does not mean it fits your plan or goal.  It is cool to have 25-30 lenses and 10 cameras like I do and there is certainly duplication in what I have but that is my plan. Sometimes I take a loss on the equipment I sell. Sometimes not.  But that is OK.  It is my hobby now.  I no longer try to make money or a living with photogrphy.  I play with it.  Oh, I still get a call from time to time because of my repretation but I no longer seek it out.  I am having more "fun" with photography now.  More than ever.  I enjoy putting gear through its paces.  I still have buddies in the business so I get to use their gear too.  Even more fun and oppertunity.

Come up with a plan and goal.  Get pen and paper and write it down.  Today!  Then tell me what it is.

[jazzman1]

Thanks Biggs, I will not get the black lens, I will get the white one when I decide to get it.  I agree with you, I won't get anything just cause it's on sale, that's not in my plan.  I will only get L lenses.  If one is on sale at a great bargain, I may get it to save money, but only lenses I am planning to get that fits my plan.

The plan as I see it:

1.   learn my camera's, learn photography, get photoshop elements to edit.  I plan to go out everyday, take pics and practice settings and things as I learn.  I plan to try and learn something everyday and use it in practical aplication.

2.   I plan to get rid of all my lenses, except the 50mm f1.8, 55-250mm long range zoom, and the 24-105mm L, and only get any new lenses in the same class. Being I got a f4L, all my lenses will be the same or better.  I will keep my EF-S 55-250mm till I get a replacement.  As per your suggestion, I will add 2 or 3 more lenses as I go and need them.  I won't get anything not needed for me to progress, and only if they fit in my plan..

3.   I will keep my 60D for sure, and may sell or keep my Rebel, not sure at the moment.   Depends on what's best when the time comes.   But I do plan to get a FF body in the future, after I learn what I need to learn with the camera's I have.  After I think I know enough and am ready, to step up to the FF body, but not before.  I can see myself having the 60D and a FF body. 

4.   I want to get into landscape, building and historic sites, street, as my photo subjects to learn this art.  When I'm ready, I want to move into closeups, events, weddings, sports maybe, etc, as a part time business venture if things workout well.  I would like to try my hand at a photo business, if and when I'm good enough with my photography.  Not concerned about sports shooting at the moment. 

5.   I plan on following your lead and suggestions as my instructor, as long as you are willing to work with me.   Hope I won't be a difficult student.   I do respect your opinion and knowledge in photography. 

If there's anything I left out I should include please let me know.  If there's anything you want to add just tell me.

BTW...I getting rid of the EF 28-135mm today, and the rest will follow per your suggestion.  I got the EF 24-105mm f4L lens and the Canon 60D Body in the mail today.  I took a few pics with the lens on my Rebel, while the battery charges in the 60D.  Man, I can see the better sharpness and overall clarity of the lens with my Rebel.  I bet it'll be even better with the 60D when the battery charges.  Man, I see what you've told me about quality of L lenses.  I promise I won't get anything less than f4L in my lenses to come.  I can only imagine what my pics would look like with this lens on a FF body.

Far as what you've said about future purchases I agree and will abide by that.  It's what I intended anyhow.  As I told you, these bargains popped up out of nowhere, and my thinking was save to money in the long run on purchases I would have gotton anyway in a short time.  So we are on the same page on that I assure you. The only real loss I will take, if I take a loss, is on my 18-200mm super zoom.  None of the other lens were very expensive and I did'nt invest much in them.  I got 2 as kit package when I got my Rebel, and got a deal on the EF-S 55-250mm for $100.00.  I also agree with what you said about not having the same focal range lens on both bodies. I do feel, and felt, the same way.   I guess I did a poor job of explaining to you what I meant with my statement on that, sorry I was not clear in what I meant.. 

P.S.   I feel better now about the shutter wear with my 60D, the correct number was 100,000.  Never knew about that spec, never seen it before.

[jazzman1]

All I can say is "WOW".  The 60D and EF 24-105 f4L combination is superb.  I can really see and tell the improvement in my pics.  The pics have much better contrast, color saturation, and sharpness.    Overall look of my pics is warmer, I like ithat too.    I can now absolutely see the superior qualiy of the L lens.  Biggs many times I understand something that you or orthers say better after I see it with my own eyes.  When I can see things for myself, it's no longer just theory in my mind, or just information I've learned.  It becomes reality for me.  The 60D is not FF nor the best camera that's made, but it's truly a step up from my Rebel.  There's a learning curve and many new features I have to learn to use.  The layout to many buttons, and there use, is different.  I have a feature in the 60D that can convert pic shot with raw into Jpeg right in the camera.   It's a little bigger, heavier, and sturdier body.  I think I'm gonna love this camera.  Nice as it is to me though, I know to you, with the superb camera's you have...mine's like a toy LOL.  . 

[jazzman1]

BTW.............What is a good model and price for a good photo printer???   I am talikng about a printer to print out pics on photo paper.